Gatlinburg & The Smokies

PLEASE NOTE: BOOK EARLY!

  People often wonder why some trips get canceled. Trips can become canceled due to customers not signing up on the trips they want to travel on.  We encourage you to book up to 90 days before this trip date because most venues require our monies 60 sometimes 90 days ahead of time. If you wait to book your reservation up to the date of the trip, this is not enough time for McCarter's to know you want to reserve a seat for a certain trip.

 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2026

Enjoy the scenic drive as we travel south to Gatlinburg, TN for four days and three nights of adventure. This evening you will have an included dinner at a local restaurant. Your stay for three nights is at The Appy lodge in Gatlinburg, TN.

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026

Start your day with an included breakfast before we are off to the Great Smokey Mountains Experience, enroute to a mile-high location with epic views, The Newfound Gap. You will gain knowledge of animals, plants of the area, pioneers, and Native Americans. Also, get some fun facts about the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. On the way down the mountain there will be spectacular photo opportunities. Our next stop will be at the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum where you can see over 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers! Gatlinburg Village shops will be our next stop where you will have some free time to shop and grab lunch on your own. Be sure to visit the Ole Smokey Candy Kitchen for some original “taffy logs” they have been making since 1950. You may even get to see them making some through the shops window! We will partake in a true, southern style, cooking class along with a cooking instructor to prepare your own meal which you enjoy eating with your group.

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2026

We will start the day by going to the Great Smokey Arts & Crafts Community. This community was established in 1937, and it is committed to preserving traditional Appalachian crafts. It is an 8- mile loop of various crafts and you can watch some skilled artisans at work. (Bus will have drop off/pick up points) Enjoy lunch on your own while we are here. After we shop, we will visit the Ober Mountain and enjoy a 2-mile tram journey. The tram gives you a panoramic view of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. After the tram, we will see a behind-the-scenes tour of Ole Smokey Distillery “The Holler” where you will learn the history of moonshine and Ole Smokey, as well as how moonshine is made from techniques used over 100 years ago. This experience will end with tastings and a delicious southern-style dinner before we head to The Island in Pigeon Forge, TN. It boasts 23 acres of entertainment with over 80 shops, restaurants, and attractions. You will have free time to shop, eat, or maybe catch a show. The Island Show Fountains are programmed to music and lights year-round. You can purchase a ticket to ride “The Wheel” which is 200 feet tall. They have something for everyone to enjoy.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

Our departure to head home will be after breakfast, we hope you enjoy this trip!

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**All McCarter Coach & Tour – Times and Itinerary Subject to Change**

 

 

·  Deposit: 

       $75.00 per person within two weeks of booking date.

 

·  Final Payment: 

       Full payment due 60 days prior to departure date.

 

·  Cancellation/Refund Policy see following schedule that applies:

 

         1) From 60 days prior to departure Date:

                 - A Complete Refund

 

         2) From 60 days until two weeks prior before departure Date: 

                      - A $25.00 charge per person will be made plus any deposits for meals, lodging and attractions

                    made by McCarter Coach & Tour that cannot be recovered.